Reece Wilson's Gamux Sego: The Wildest Bike on the World Cup Circuit
Reece Wilson's Gamux Sego is a standout bike on the World Cup circuit, with a unique setup that challenges conventional downhill racing norms. This bike is a testament to Wilson's innovative approach to speed and performance.
Backwards Stem: A Unique Twist
One of the most striking features is the backwards stem, a design inspired by Wilson's motocross background. This setup provides -15 degrees of reach, a concept that might seem unconventional but has a profound impact on the bike's handling. Wilson explains that this design fundamentally changes the bike's feel, making it more akin to a motocross bike, where your hands are behind the steerer tube. This unique setup also eliminates the need for a steering damper, reducing head shake and allowing for a lighter grip on the bar.
Despite some backlash, Wilson stands by the concept, believing it needs to be embraced and celebrated. He claims it has never given him more traction, grip, and confidence in the front end.
All-Adjustable Design
The Gamux Sego is a highly adjustable bike, with every geometry and stiffness figure open to experimentation. Wilson can play with the torsional stiffness of the front triangle using bonded stiffening plates, and he can also adjust the chainstay length, pivot point, anti-squat, and anti-rise characteristics. This level of customization is crucial for optimizing performance in downhill racing.
The bike currently uses a Manitou Mara air shock for its 197mm of travel, but Wilson hints at an upcoming coil variant from the brand. Up front, a Manitou Dorado upside-down fork provides 200mm of travel, and a prototype fork with a tuned mass damper on each leg was also spotted.
Pinion Gearbox: Gear Without Pedaling
At the heart of the bike is a Pinion C1.9 gearbox, a revolutionary system that allows gear changes without pedaling. This feature enables Wilson to enter a corner without worrying about gear setup for the exit, a significant advantage in downhill racing. The gearbox's location also lowers the bike's center of gravity and reduces unsprung mass, resulting in better handling and more supple suspension.
A Gates belt drive is used in conjunction with the gearbox, and Wilson has created a small cover to protect the belt from sharp rocks. This setup not only enhances performance but also adds an element of style to the bike.
Tiny Cranks: Symmetry in Action
Wilson has been experimenting with shorter cranks, sometimes as short as 100mm, to achieve symmetry on the bike. This design choice is inspired by sports like motocross, horseriding, and skiing, where side-by-side foot placement is common. By using shorter cranks, Wilson aims to balance turns against his forward, dominant foot, making the bike feel more balanced and responsive.
The Gamux Sego is a testament to Reece Wilson's innovative spirit and his relentless pursuit of speed and performance. With its unique features and cutting-edge technology, this bike is a force to be reckoned with on the World Cup circuit.
